Here at RailAdvent, we have reviewed a number of power banks over the last year or so from the likes of Jackery and Ecoflow.
Earlier this year, we reviewed the EcoFlow Delta Max, a 22kg power station, and whilst we really enjoy using it at events, it is rather heavy to lug around and isn’t something you can pack in your bag when you go out travelling.
EcoFlow saw our review and offered to send over their new River Mini, a less powerful yet lighter version, to test out.
The River Mini has a 210Wh battery, which allows for an output of up to 300w, which is around a 10th of the size of the Delta Max, but is better than the Jackery Explorer 240.
What really stands out for the River Mini is the size. Compared to the Delta Max, it weighs just 2.85kgs. Compared to the similarly spec’d Jackery 240, it weighs less than this too.
It dimensions, measuring in at 24.9cm x 13.3cm x 14 cm, allow for it to be stored in a reasonably sized camera bag too, not something any of the previously reviewed units can do.
EcoFlow River Mini // Credit: RailAdvent
Moving to ports available on the River Mini, our unit came with a 12v socket, 3 USB A sockets, which are rated to 5v 2.4a and a 3 pin UK plug with Pure Sine Wave and an output of 300w.
For those the don’t know, Pure Sine Wave means it will be compatible with all devices (subject to power requirements of course). Some cheaper inverters provide a Modified Sine Wave output, which can be less kind to devices, making them run hotter and potentially wear out quicker.
There are two versions of the River Mini – there is the standard version and the River Mini Wireless. We have the standard, but for £40 more, the Wireless version adds a 15W wireless charging plate on the top of the unit as well as a 100w USB Type C port. Now, we don’t have a use for the wireless plate, but on the standard, I really think the USB Type C would have set this above the rest.
EcoFlow River Mini // Credit: RailAdvent
Like the Delta Max, the main display on the front of the unit is clear to read and provides input and output watts, battery% remaining and what’s more, it tells you at the current time how long you have left with your current power usage.
Charging your devices is easy with the River Mini. Plug in your gadgets, turn on the unit and your devices start charging.
210Wh converts to around 58400mAh, so you can expect to get numerous charges of cameras, phones, laptops and tablets.
We have taken the River Mini out across the country to a number of events and found it useful for keeping our devices topped up. We would have no problem taking this to an exhibition to keep models running or checkout systems operational.
EcoFlow River Mini // Credit: RailAdvent
Like the Delta Max, the River Mini’s power adapter is built into the device whereas on some competitors it is separate.
The River Mini is quick to charge. EcoFlow states it takes 1.5 hours to charge via the wall outlet – and in our testing, we got similar results. However, with the size of the unit, possibly the best way to charge is on the go through the car charger.
We were also sent a 400w Solar Panel by EcoFlow – this comes in at £999, but this will be looked into more detail in a separate review
In conclusion, this smaller power pack from EcoFlow is super, whilst we would have liked the USB C port as standard, the similarly priced Jackery 240 doesn’t have this, nor does it have this as an option.
There are so many options for charging your devices here, allowing you to pick and choose when to charge and how you want them charging.
You can buy the EcoFlow River Mini for £299 on Amazon UK or through EcoFlow’s website.
RailAdvent would like to thank EcoFlow for sending us the River Mini for review
The Review
EcoFlow River Mini
PROS
- A plethora of high-powered ports
- Screen is clear
- Charges quickly
CONS
- No Type C as standard (optional extra)
Review Breakdown
- I/O Ports
- Charging Features
- Value For Money